Legal battle brews over future of Happy Cat Sanctuary as lives of more than 250 cats hangs in the balance
The nonprofit’s board and the late owner’s daughter are now at odds over control of the nonprofit.
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A legal battle has begun over the future of the Happy Cat Sanctuary and the close to $1 million raised to rebuild it.
The nonprofit’s board and the late owner’s daughter are now at odds over control of the nonprofit.
A fire killed Happy Cat Sanctuary owner Christopher Arsenault and more than 100 cats at the Medford sanctuary on March 31.
Over 250 cats have since been rescued and now their future is uncertain.
In a letter posted on Facebook, Arsenault's daughter, Kristen Arsenault, says "unethical and potential unlawful behaviors have emerged," referring to people who claim to control the non-profit.
Kristen Arsenault is in charge of his trust.
In the letter, she says people have circulated false records to gain control of the nonprofit's funds and says reports of cats being euthanized have surfaced as well.
She reported this to the Attorney General's Office.
In a statement to News 12, she explains her reasoning behind posting the letter:
"Following the tragic passing of my father, Christopher Arsenault, I’ve stepped in to protect the sanctuary he built and ensure his legacy is honored. The public statement I shared was prompted by growing concerns about individuals misusing his name, property, and nonprofit without proper authority.
Serious legal and ethical issues have since come to light, and I believe the public deserves transparency. This is not about control—it’s about preserving the mission my father dedicated his life to and making sure the cats remain safe and cared for, exactly as he intended.
I encourage everyone who supported his work to stay informed. This is a pivotal moment for the future of the sanctuary. Any claims made on behalf of Happy Cat Sanctuary must be met with transparency, truth, and legal accountability."
The Attorney General's Office confirmed it has received the complaint.
An attorney for the Happy Cat Board of Directors denies the claims and issued the statement below.
The fundraiser on GoFundMe has raised over $800,000 since the fire.
A GoFundMe spokesperson tells News 12, “As the GoFundMe was set up as a charity fundraiser, all donations to the Support Happy Cat Sanctuary After Tragic Fire fundraiser are being directed to the nonprofit. We have encouraged Ms. Arsenault to resolve the dispute through proper legal channels.”
News 12 also contacted the PayPal Giving Fund to find out how much money has been given to the nonprofit through the GoFundMe fundraiser.
The PayPal Giving Fund has not returned the request for comment.
